Large Project of the Year Burdick Materials & UDOT — US-191 Realignment Near Simplot The US-191 Realignment Near Simplot Project delivered a safer and more efficient transportation corridor through northeastern Utah while showcasing successful collaboration between public agencies, private industry, and local stakeholders. For decades, the steep and winding switchbacks north of Vernal created safety and mobility challenges for travelers. The project transformed the 2.6-mile corridor into a modern highway designed to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency. Through a partnership between the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the J.R. Simplot Company, a mutually beneficial solution was developed. Simplot sought access to phosphate ore beneath the existing highway and had the equipment and workforce to move large volumes of earth, while UDOT aimed to improve public safety along US-191. Together, the partners completed the project while saving taxpayers an estimated $40 million. The new alignment eliminates dangerous hairpin turns and steep grades, improving travel for residents and visitors throughout the region. Communities including Vernal and Dutch John now benefit from safer access to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation. The project was also completed with a strong commitment to safety, resulting in zero reported safety incidents through proactive planning, daily risk assessments, and hazard mitigation. Pavement Preservation Project of the Year Intermountain Slurry Seal — UDOT 1-15, Arizona State Line to Cottonwood Creek The UDOT I-15 Arizona State Line Pavement Preservation Project showcased a strategic approach to extending pavement life along a critical, high-volume corridor. Spanning 19.6 miles, the project used microsurfacing to fill ruts, improve ride quality, enhance skid resistance, and extend pavement life by an estimated five years. Nighttime construction minimized traffic disruptions while targeted asphalt patching and surface smoothing improved ride uniformity and durability. Pavement markings were also upgraded to current MUTCD standards to improve safety and visibility. The project highlights strong collaboration between UDOT, Intermountain Slurry Seal, and the design team to deliver a cost-effective preservation strategy that protects infrastructure investments and improves long-term performance. Safety remained a top priority throughout construction. Intermountain Slurry Seal implemented daily safety briefings, enhanced nighttime lighting, and carefully planned traffic control measures, with additional support from the Utah Highway Patrol. 13 On The Road Asphalt Pavement Award Winners
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